Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Update: I have changed the host for my project link. The new host/link does not require you to register.

Welcome to Day 1 of the Moda Country Fair Blog Hop.Today's featured designer is - Me.I want to be up front with you. I WILL NOT be painting a picture a day with my toes or my fingers.Not that I would not like to paint a picture a day for 27 days, but the problem is this is a very busy time of the year for a fabric/pattern designer.How about if instead of a picture a day I have a quote of the day. They may be a famous quote - or not so famous.

Today's quote:Keep at it. Keep at it.

Often said by my mom - Millie Fisher.

My sisters and I spent a bit of time whining while we were sewing our 4-H sewing projects - usually wool - in a house with no air conditioning - in August. It was summer and I would rather be at Big Spirit Lake soaking in some sun. Just as I was about to throw the garment in a corner and head to the lake, from the kitchen would come - keep at it. Keep at it. Mom's little saying seemed to work as we always completed our 4-H sewing projects. (Usually in the wee hours of the morning of the dress review - but always finished.)

Sometimes we sat out on the swing to stay cool.

I also was doing a bit of whining while preparing for this hop. In the back of my mind I could hear mom saying - keep at it. Keep at it. I kept at it and I finished my project.

When I think of fairs - I think of food - on a stick.

My all time favorite fair food at the Jackson County Fair was a corn dog.Not just any old corn dog, but one from Rita's Chuck Wagon.

Rita was always parked in the same spot at the fair.Right between the 4-H buildings and the mid-way.

I have never found a corn dog that measured up to Rita's.

Her corn dogs were very crispy instead of doughy like the ones I find today. Is there anybody out there in blog land that has had one of Rita's Corndogs?Yummy. Yummy.

When you eat fair food it is best to have two free hands. I am not a fan of fanny packs so for my project, I have created a little bag for fair going.

My bag is big enough to hold my little digital camera in the main part of the bag.One pocket will hold my credit cards and the other cash.The nice long strap fits across my shoulder,freeing up my hands so I can do some two fisted corn dog eating.

The designers that attended spring market also designed quilt blocks for stores owners to use in their stores. If you were not able to attend the schoolhouse session featuring the quilt, please sign on to your customer workstation (via moda fabrics website) to download the information for the quilt.

Look for this icon in the upper right hand corner of the customer web page.Only visible once you have signed in with your customer ID and password.

I used my favorite block - the honey bee block.I added some applique and bordersand named it Making Honey.(Note this pattern will not be posted on our websiteuntil the fabric ships - sometime in October.)

And what would a blog hop be with out prizes.

Leave a comment - it can be about anything but if you were ever a 4-H member I would love to hear about it.I will use randon.com to pick the winners.

Prizes:Sassy fat quarter packSassy Layer Cake™Sassy Jelly Roll™ and

a Sassy apron kit(Kit includes a pre-printed apron and apron lining)

I am going to be gone for a few days so I will announce the winners on my September 12th post.Leave a comment on THIS POST anytime before 10:00 PM Central time, September 11th to be eligible to win one of the prizes

We are supposed to post our video which was made at Quilt Market School House. So for those of you who did not attend School House and would like to see my video - click below - otherwise keep on scrolling.

Remember to keep at it...you will be surprised at what you get done.Stop by tomorrow for the quote of the day.

I was never a 4h member as I lived intown but I always wanted to be and really enjoyed seeing their work at our local fair .However those words of Keep at it are familar as my Mom used those words as well and I think they have served us well. Interesting post.

I love your Honey Bee block. Being from the UK, I've never come across 4H, but have read about it. If I've got it right, it's a special system of torture for youngsters, designed just to keep them indoors during the summer holidays when they'd prefer to be out playing with their friends.

This is fun! I was in 4H and loved it. I remember all the cool things we made and the fun I had gathering all the little supplies needed for the next project. I think this started my love of all things fabric and crafts. Thanks for the memories.

Head, Hearts, Hands and Health. Oh yes. From the time I was 10 until after high school. Trips to the State Fair to do demos and model outfits.....mostly wool in August....for sure. I still have a scrapbook full of pics and ribbons all these years later. It was a wonderful experience.

Great Motto to start off the Moda Fair working in a Fair is alot of very long hot days, of prepping, organizing and then presenting. Thank you for doing all these wonderful things to start the Moda Country Fair. What is amazing is I don`t need to put on the bug spray to go to the fair...LOL I am at home on my PC. I just finished selling tickets for a quilt from an fraternal organization I belong to at the fair and we have the best seat cause we see all the people coming in and out of the fair. It is worth keeping at it in the end. The result is alot of happy people. It was the Harrow Fair of Ontario Canada, we are known for our best ribs! but I would have loved to try Rita`s corn dog. Taffy apples are always my favorite. Thanks again.

Love your mom's inspirational words. I never was in 4-H, but loved seeing all the stuff at the fair. Hey! That Rita's corn dog looks good! Wonder if anyone makes them like that now? Oh...the link to your free purse pattern shows that it is set on private.Love that Sassy fabric! I need some brighter colors in my stash.

State of Nebraska just completed their Country Fair and the attendance is up and how proud we were of our 4H group and more members. I just have learned to sew in my retirement years, it is such a pleasure.

I always wanted to be a part of 4H, but our little part of the country didn't have a chapter. Love your mother's advice, I will try to remember it as a I struggle at the end of project.What a cute purse! I will be making one, its a perfect size for me.

Love seeing the pic and reading your story about your Mom. My Mom taught me to sew at a young age and I am forever grateful to her for my love of needle and thread. Love the purse pattern. Although I live in Florida, I was born and raised in Utah so I have a love of the Beehive motif. I'll be looking for your pattern at our local quilt shop. Sign me up for your giveaway...it would be a great to WIN !!!

I needed a quote for my sewing room wall and Keep at it - is perfect! I was never in 4-H we were vegetable farmers, and nothing got done in the summer but farming! We love to go to the 4H fair and I've never tried a corndog for the reason you posted, doughy outside. The pics you posted look delicious tho! Thanks Sandy :) I'm sooooo glad you were the one to kick this off, being one of my favs and all :)

I was in 4-H and loved it - for the socialization. The sewing, not so much. In fact my first sewing class was sewing on a piece of paper with marked lines - found that quite difficult. Then we moved on to an apron - still difficult. I then decided sewing was not for me. Who knew? Love it now! Thanks for the great 4-H memories. Have a great day!

I had a city childhood - no county fairs until I moved upstate in 2011. I can't believe my parents missed out on all that fun growing up. So glad I get to go now. My favorite fair food? Zeppoles! With extra sugar! Yum! :)

What a useful bag! I love to have my hands free! It seems when I have a deadline for anything I am always last minute! Keep at it will be great to keep me going! I love that Sassy line! What great colors!

Yes - I was in 4-H - but just for about two years! I remember doing some sort of leaves project for the fair. We always went to the county fair. I remember seeing the Statler Brothers and the Oak Ridge Boys several times because my parents we such big fans.

I was just looking for some sort of little bag to make for an upcoming girls weekend shopping trip! Thanks for sharing and thanks for the great giveaway!

Never was a 4-H kid, born and raised in the city. In fact, I hated sewing when I was in school and took the Home Ec class. Started quilting in 1999 learned from my mother-in-law and her mother and have been in love ever since! I can say that it literally has saved my life from the pains of depression.

Hi Sandy,We are avid 4-H members too. My husband mastered in the 4-H business project, and my boys have a Forestry Field Competition THIS AFTERNOON!! Since we homeschool our boys (5 of them!) 4-H has been a wonderful way for them to develop public speaking skills, and learn practical living skills. They have all entered handmade items and even the baked goods contests at the fair. To brag a little, when one of my boys was 12, he won Best in Show for a pecan pie that he made and then was featured in People magazine in an article showcasing pies around the country! When they called to tell us about it, he was out playing in the creek!I love your little bag! Since I am the only female living in a house full of males, I need a little color and brightness, not to mention some little feminine touches along the way!Thanks for the pattern and the giveaways! I'd LOVE to win some Sassy fabric!Have a great day,Susan

Being an Australian i have absolutely no idea what 4-h is. We do however have our version of a county fair - the Agricultural Show - and our version of a corn dog - the pluto pup - quite horrid - its a hotdog covered in batter and deep fried.

I've just fallen into this blog fair, and what a treat! Never 4H, but was in Future Homemakers (that was a long time ago). Also never had a crisp corn dog, but they have to be better! Thanks for the goodies and for the opportunity to win Sassy!

I wasn't in 4-H but I hated sewing in junior high home ec. Then in high school I loved it. Now I'm completely addicted and can't do without it! I really like that Making Honey quilt! Another project to add to my list...

I don't remember hearing much about 4H or county fairs where I grew up, but where I live now it's a big deal. Although we're too old for 4H, a friend of mine just entered some quilts in a county fair and won some ribbons. Still fun, even as an adult.

"sewing for 4-H" is the standard to which I aspire with every project I do. If you are "sewing for 4-H" it means the inside of the project has to be as tidy as the outside...cause those judges look everywhere!! My MOM was the 4-h leader for many years. I learned a lot about cooking, sewing and keeping my home beautiful....much of which I ignore these days. I remember a demonstration on cleaning a shower head by soaking it in vinegar and scrubbing with a tooth brush....who does that regularly? But the sewing lessons are pulled out regularly. thanks 4-H for teaching me so much!

I wasn't in 4H, but my sister was - for cooking. She still is a great cook, but can't sew. I can't cook for anything, but I can sew! We have a great country fair in NH - the Deerfield Fair, which happens right at the peak of autumn. Love the little bag and the honey bee block. Thank you for sharing the pattern for the bag.

I don't think Long Island, NY had anything close to a 4-H, but I did belong to the Girl Scouts until I was asked to leave because I didn't want to work on earning merit badges! I did, however, win a baking contest in the GS that I can lay claim to. Thanks!

Hi Sandy!There wasn't 4H where I lived as a teen. I love the purse, I think I'll make a few Christmas presents!I tried to download it too, I ended up on a Document holder website, looking at ads or meeting minutes....Thanks for the giveaway!Take care, Leslie

I tried to download your wonderful little bag, but it says that the document has been made private.. I wasn't able to get it. Perhaps I am doing something wrong, but just in case there is something you can do, I thought I should let you know.

Thank you for the cute bag pattern! I have such very fond memories of my 4-H days. We had a big dormitory to stay in during fair week if you were showing livestock. It was always like going to summer camp for a week, but with an awesome fair backdrop.

I tried to be in 4H... My rabbit didn't cooperate though - her ears didn't lop and she hated being flipped on her back to do the required show. So, she became a pet instead and the only thing I ever submitted to a fair was a drawing in high school. That went better, 2nd Place.

Thanks for the great blog. Never heard of 4H ( well not here in Australia). Love Sassy and love the bee block. We had the Royal Easter Show growing up and now the Ekka. My favourite section was the fruit and vegetable displays where they would create scenes from produce.

Hi Sandy! I love these blog hops, they are so much fun! Thank you. A lovely little purse pattern too and bee block.

I was never a 4-h member. But I love fairs. When I was a child, the fair was always around my birthday. And we always went to the fair. My 2 older sisters were not happy, because Dad told them they had to ride whatever ride I wanted to first, as it was my birthday :) LOL! I always chose the ferris wheel.

Wow, here I thought I was early, can't beat those quilters,we all have projects to work on. I was not in 4-H but sewing in Jr. High was like that,, a gathered skirt, get it done and yes keep at it.Hated the skirt, made me look fat!!Love this new hop thought.Maggey

Wow! It's only 8am here on the East Coast, and you already have SEVENTY comments! ...Glad i got here "early". =-)Looks like it's gonna be another great Blog Hop! Thanks for doing it Sandy.=-)lupansgirl(at)gmail(dot)com

Being a city girl (I grew up in New York City), I never got involved in 4H--I'm not even sure they had it there!--but now that I've been living in Texas for a while, I've heard more about it from friends.

I was never in a 4H club. I did grow up with my mother and grandmother sewing. When I was very young I remember sitting in my grandmothers sewing room, playing with her very big box of buttons. I would play for hours, I still have some of her buttons. I love your fabric designs, keep them coming. ;>

Thankyou for the cute bag pattern. Your Mums saying is just perfect for me at that moment. My daughter is doing her final year at Secondary School and with exams looming, she just has to "Keep at it". I will be saying it to her each time she Whines about studying.

Never did 4H but I sure wish I had, the onersations with all age groups ,than the city kids were.e thibng I noticed over the years , is Country kids were far more able to be part of the conersations with all age groups ,than the city kids were! Thanks for a great first post!

I loved being in 4-H when I was a kid. Camp in the summertime was the best as it was in the mountains with hikes, swimming, archery, horseback riding - oh the memories. Thank you for the generous giveaway.

I hail from Utah and the beehive is the symbol of industry. 4-H was very much a part of my life growing up. I was in 4-H for at least 5 years and looked forward to getting together with my friends every summer. It was the highlight. Great block, great project and darling video. Thanks to a great designer!!Mary

Hi, I've never been in 4-h, but all of my children are in the club, and I'll have to remember your mother's great saying! They love doing crafts and getting projects done, but some-times last minute is rough!

Growing up in a big city I was never exposed to 4-H, but now that I live in the country I really appreciate everything they do to help young people. Good home values! Thanks for the chance at your giveaway.

I was a in 4-H - did Flowers and Photography and Ceramics and a few others. At fair timeI always think about getting Legion Burgers. Our local American Legion had a building at the fairgrounds and their burgers are small and a lot like White Castle, which we did not have any where close to us.

Now I think about my son doing 4-H but here in the city, St. Louis, there is no county fair or any 4-H clubs. They are in neighboring counties but I guess there's too much to compete with in the metro area.

I thought I was going to be able to shout out the name of my 4-H club and it won't come to mind....arrrgh! I was terrified of public speaking and I dreaded those demonstrations! My forte was sewing and I do remember one of my best demonstrations was on seam finishes and I had to present it at the county fair. I had posters and examples and I had to sew up there in front of all those people! All the years that I made my own clothing, I always mentally measured the quality by 4-H judging standards...not always a good thing! I've spent years trying not to do that in quilting & crafting!

What a great start to the Country Fair blog hop, thank you Sandy!'Keep at it' is a great motto to have, and I will!Thanks for the cute bag project and the gorgeous giveaway prizes - Sassy is the perfect name for the line :)I'm from the UK and a little sad that I've never experienced the joys of a corn dog, although that's maybe balanced out by never having suffered 4-H!

I was never a 4-H member as a child but both of my girls were. Unfortunately, neither one of them picked up the sewing bug. They were into lambs and rabbits and I was a 4-H Rabbit leader for 6 years. We spent countless hours prepping for and being at the county fair each year. Thanks for the opportunity to enter your great giveaway.

What an adorable bag. I think you're mom had something there and I'm sure those words have come back to you often. Is there any way to download your doucment without facebook or signing up for an account with any other application?ThanksMarcia

Thank you for your 4H story. I didn't know what 4H is because I'm from germany and never heard of it before. After I read your blog I googled it and it was really interessing.And thanks for the beautiful sassy giveaway!Greetings from germanyHildy

My 4-H experience sounds much like yours! My mom was a leader for years and I always had tons of entries in the fair, but the one I had the most trouble with was sewing! My mom just said last week that after the whining I did trying to get my sewing projects done for the fair she can't believe that I now make my living with a sewing machine! Funny how things change!

I am with a lot of the others that I had not heard of 4H until I was an adult. I would like to say I would have joined, but that would not have interested me until I hit college. I do love the fair and sure loved to go with my family when I was little. I still love the smell of delicious food, the sound, and all the lights.

For 4-H I remember making a sewing container and aprons that went on a plastic flexible waistband. Sewing container still in use! An aprons back to being popular. Our Guild having an apron fashion show in Dec.

I wasn't personally in 4-H but have lots of friends who were and are now "keeping at it" with their kids. I need to "keep at it" and finishing all those unfinished quilting projects. Thanks for the chance to win!----janet h

Although I live in Florida now, I lived in Minnesota for many years. I like all fairs, but still think the MN state fair was the best and I agree it's all about the food-on-a-stick! Sadly, no 4H for me growing up but I did learn to sew as a child; sewing, canning, gardening... all part of the Midwestern experience!

I grew up about 30 minutes away from a friend who lived on a farm and participated in 4h, and I thoroughly enjoyed her stories. Every once and a while we would have slumber parties and would stay out at her house for the weekend. It was always a fantastic weekend!

I grew up in the Bay Area, we didn't have 4H where I grew up. I wish they had, instead I was in the Rainbow Girls - which is a different service organization. It was the best experience of my life - I learned so much and still carry the lessons and values with me today.

I love entering stuff in the our little county fair. Between my neighbor and I and our kids, we litter up the walls of the sewing, photography, and baked goods booths. Our kids love coming home with ribbons. (Okay, yes, so do we) And we enjoy spending some of everyday at the fair for that wonderful week each summer.

I love your quote, I often need to remind myself to just keep going!! Thankyou for sharing your bag with us, my daughter used my sewing machine for the first time ever yesterday (we made a hair scrunchie) and next on the list to make is a bag and this will be perfect!! I am having trouble downloading it but will try again later!

Love your blog Sandy. While I was never able to join a 4H group I started sewing when I was about 10 -- my mom signed me up for a summer class at a Singer store. At the time it cost $20 plus the material we used for the dress we made. Little did she know that those 8 weeks would be the beginning of a lifetime of joy and creativity for me. She has often said that was the best $20 she ever spent. I have to agree!

I never entered anything in the fair, but I remember my older sisters entering clothing and even baked items into the fair. The county fair was always something to look forward to. Love your bee block.

I was never in 4H, but we did always go to the Alameda County fair in California every year when I was growing up. Our favorite food on a stick was frozen banana dipped in chocolate and rolled in nuts. YUM! I'm not much of a hot dog fan, but I must say, that corn dog looks mighty tasty!

Your Honey Bee quilt is just lovely, so warm and cozy looking, and your Sassy fabric is fabulous. I'd be thrilled to win one of you generous prizes!

Corn dogs are not something we have over here in Scotland, it does look yummy though, although i would not have the mustard or tomato sauce.At our local county/agricultural show the food we always seek out is ice-cream. a local company called Cream O'Galloway makes the most delicious ice-cream. Just the thing for a hot day spent outdoors (although we have also partaken when it is cold and wet too!)Please count me in and thanks for the chance to win :-)

YES! I too was a 4-Her. The earliest you could join was when you were a fourth grader and I remained in 4-H till I graduated. Ironically, my mom was one of my leaders also! After a few sewing practices together, she encouraged me to sew by myself-so I would learn how to follow pattern directions!! However, she remained only a few rooms away if I ever needed help! :) My grandfather was a bee keeper, so I know a lot about honey! At the state fair in the agricultural building on the top floor is an area dedicated to bee displays. AND you can get honey in a stick there...as well as the most delicious lemonade sweetened with honey! Mmmm-mmm!Love your Honey Bee pattern!

I was in 4H too. Our sewing machine was in our attic, with only one small window, in a house with no air condition. It makes no sense that we didn't move to another location. My sister and I would wait until the last minute too. It's amazing we still enjoy sewing!

I was an eleven year member of 4-H in Wright County, Iowa. I loved the values and skills that I learned in 4-H. That's where I learned how to sew! I remember the last minute finishes before the fair too. My daughter was also in 4-H for eleven years but in northeast Iowa and I still volunteer with our local 4-H program. It's a great organization. Thanks for the cute pattern. I enjoy your fabric lines and patterns.

I was never a member of 4H, although I always wished I could be! I was a Girl Scout leader for 12 years (my girls graduated from high shool in May) and led a lot of sewing, crafting and cooking projects during that time. We also visited a lot of county and state fairs over the years...there's nothing better than fair food!

Laughed when I read about the 4-H dress revue deadlines. I was always up to the very last minute finishing my project! However, I did manage to win a few blue ribbons and still have (somewhere) a silverplate creamer and sugar engraved with my name for winning the modeling award for the dress I made back in the 60's. Good memories!

I was a 4H member, but I don't remember sewing. I probably did, but was not much of a sewer at that time. I remember baking for the fair and collecting wild flowers. I sewed more as a young adult in the late 60s and then really became obsessed when I took up quilting at 55. I just love it. Thanks for the giveaway. Sherry

I never had the opportunity to belong to the 4H. I can't imagine sewing with wool in the hot summer without air conditioning! Good thing your Mom was there to cheer you on to finish your projects. Thanks for the chance at your giveaway.

I grew up in a farm town in Nebraska but wasn't a 4H girl as I lived in town. We always had a huge Labor Day celebration and the farm kids showed all their animals. It was great fun. Thanks for the opportunity to win. Mary

"summer's fly, winter's walk". I can't believe it's getting cooler outside and all the county fairs are going on. Fall is finally here:). I always love seeing all the quilts and snacking why to much at the fair. Thanks for the fun pattern. Karen M

I am so looking forward to this Blog Tour. I was not a 4-Her but my husband was and was working in Extension here at the University. So to support the mission of extension we joined 4-H. 18 years later I am still involved. I have been a 4-H sewing leader for those 18 years, teaching my own children and many others to sew. County and State Fairs have always been a busy time for us and still is! We are getting ready for the Kansas State Fair this week!! Of course Clothing and Patchwork (quilting) has always been my favorite and I love passing on the art of sewing to so many young kids!

I'm so glad I found this blog hop tour and I love your project, can't wait to give it a try. I loved 4-H, it was definitely where I got my first taste of sewing. One of my first projects was a drawstring tote and then I remember making a patchwork pillow. I still have the tote packed away in my cedar chest some 30 years later!

We didn't have 4H where I grew up - a short few miles west of NYC. I wish we had. I always loved the idea of raising bunnies and sheep, etc. I don't think the neighbors would have appreciated it. Now I live in the country, but still no bunnies or sheep. But I do love the fairs and it's that time of year! Thank you for sharing with us. I can't find the blocks of which you speak. Your Christmas line looks fabulous!!

I was not in 4-H, but my children were and my grandchildren are that are old enough right now. So when the younger ones are old enough they will be in it also. When the fair is going on I am done there a lot. Pretty soon I will just have to take my vacation during that time so I don't miss any of their shows. At our fair we have Hot Beef Sandwiches and Homemades Pies!Connie

Many years ago, I was in 4H, just long enough to make a pillow for my room. There was no quilting or serious sewing in my group. Most of my crafting I learned with my mother's help and later in life by trial and error. My favorite sewing at this time is quilting. I love it!

I want some honey on a stick!! I love honey and I love your block! Thanks so much for sharing. I was never a 4H member but if I had only known then what I know now...but that is true for many things in life!

I was never in 4-H because I grew up in New York City but was in Girl Scouts. Enjoyed your story about the Country Fair and Corn Dogs. I love working on wool even in the summer.I love your cute little purse and so will my grandaughters.

I WAS in 4-H and I loved it! I didn't sew until high school and I wasn't in 4-H then but I showed pigeons - YEP, pigeons! Didn't love the pigeons so much, much I did love the whole 4-H scene because it was such a big family.

About Sandy

I have always had an interest in art and sewing. My mother taught me how to sew at a young age. In high school I made my own clothes and made greeting cards for my friends. Later on I made cards for my boyfriend, who later became my husband. On the advice of my high school counselor I did not pursue a career in art. I was told that an "A" in high school art does not make you an artist. In 1988 I set out to prove that counselor wrong (or right) and started a greeting card company, " My Dream Designs." In 1992 I combined my love of art and sewing skills and the pattern company "Pieces From My Heart" was born. In spring of 1994, I attended my first international Quilt Market in St. Louis, where I was discovered by Moda Fabrics. Many fabric lines later, I am thrilled to be designing fabric for Moda. Designing fabric allows me to work with different color pallets, which is my favorite part of designing. I reside in Algona, Iowa with my husband Bruce. We have two grown children, Anthony and Abby. Pieces From My Heart Books and Patterns are available at your local quilt shop or go to www.piecesfrommyheart.net